Hackney Council Block Residents Demand Evacuation Following Dual Disasters
Residents of a social housing estate in East London are urgently demanding the complete evacuation of their building after being struck by both severe flooding and a fire within a mere two-week period. The London Fire Brigade was called to Fellows Court in South Hackney on Sunday, March 8, 2026, when a burst mains pipe unleashed torrents of water through multiple floors, inundating four properties and rendering them uninhabitable.
Residents Left Without Heating and Living in Fear
While Hackney Council has relocated the affected households into temporary accommodation, many residents remain without central heating in the aftermath of the incident. A group representing tenants and residents told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they are "living in fear" due to "multiple failures" at the block. This emergency marks the second time firefighters have been summoned to the estate in just ten days.
On Friday, February 27, residents were evacuated for several hours when an explosion engulfed a split-level maisonette on the 11th floor, resulting in minor burns to one girl. The London Fire Brigade is currently investigating the cause of that blaze. The Fellow Residents Action Group, which has consistently pressured the council over the block's deteriorating conditions, stated: "This is now a serious incident. We're concerned about the safety of those of all ages and disabilities. It's time everybody is evacuated from the property."
Longstanding Maintenance Issues and Recent Pipework
A spokesperson for FRAG expressed concerns that without heating, the flooded flats will not dry properly, leading to recurrent mould and dampness. They highlighted that council contractors had recently spent three months conducting pipework in the building, raising questions about why the leak occurred despite these efforts. Fellows Court has a documented history of repair and maintenance problems, including:
- Persistent leaks and flooding incidents
- Widespread mould growth throughout the property
- Faulty boiler systems affecting heating
In July 2025, the renters union ACORN condemned the building's "inhumane" conditions after an entire block lost hot water, leading to protests at the Town Hall. Following the February fire, reports indicated that the block's fire alarm system was faulty in the days preceding the blaze, though the council maintained this would not have prevented the alarm from sounding during the explosion.
Council Response and Ongoing Repairs
Hackney Council has stated that it has repaired the cause of Sunday's leaks and that staff remain on-site to manage the aftermath. Their efforts include:
- Drying out water-damaged flats
- Reinstating electrical systems
- Addressing any additional necessary repairs
The council confirmed that a heating contractor was at the block on Tuesday, March 10, to perform required works, after which they expect to begin restoring heating services. A council spokesperson acknowledged: "We know that this incident and the recent fire in a maisonette in Fellows Court are upsetting for residents and that there are long-standing issues with the central heating in the building that are also causing worry and frustration. We are committed to finding a long-term solution to resolve the issues with the central heating system."
The council did not respond to questions regarding why the leak occurred despite recent piping works, leaving residents increasingly anxious about their safety and living conditions in the beleaguered Hackney estate.
